Let's Discuss Our Online Dating Manners: Do You Respond To Messages From Guys You're Not Into? (I Confess, I Ignore)

You guys, can you help me out with something that makes me feel guilty in the process of online dating? And by help me out, I mean, can you tell me what I want to hear so I can keep doing what I already do but not feel bad about it? OK thanks.

No, I'm kidding. I really do want your opinion. Here's what I debate about: Whether or not to respond to guys I'm just not that into. I obviously have no problem completely ignoring the generic messages. I don't feel like those guys are exactly expecting a response anyway. In fact, sometimes they'll send me the same message twice because they've already forgotten they sent it to me in the first place. IGNORE.

It's the guys who send me real messages that give me pause. They'll reference information on my profile, ask me thoughtful questions about my life, and maybe even compliment me in a sweet, non-creepy way. But even though I appreciate this, sometimes I'm just not into the guy or I can tell right off the bat we aren't compatible. I really do try to keep an open mind about this, but come on. You can just know when you won't be attracted to someone. However, I feel rude when they clearly put some thought and effort into emailing me to just blow them off--especially when I can see that they've visited my profile again since sending the message.

I try to put myself in their shoes, but honestly, I still can't decide what I would want. Is it worse to sit around wondering if someone is going to write you back, checking his profile to see if he's been online yet? Or is it worse to actually see his name pop up in your inbox, only to read some brief words of rejection? I kind of learn towards hearing nothing at all. At least that way I can pretend that the computer somehow ate my email or he doesn't actually know how to read. Whatever, this is exactly why I don't send messages in the first place. It's scary!

What do you do in this scenario: email back a polite rejection, or just ignore it all together? If you DO write a rejection, please tell me exactly what you say so I can copy it. If you messaged a guy that ended up being not into you, would you prefer to not hear from him at all, or get a response letting you know he wasn't interested?